Annual award recognizes members of the community who are of Scottish descent and have made significant contributions to their chosen profession

HONOLULU — University of Hawaiʻi President David McClain and his wife Wendie McClain are the co-recipients of the 2008 White Heather Award given annually by the Caledonian Society of Hawaiʻi. The award recognizes members of the local community who are of Scottish descent and have made significant contributions to their chosen profession. In 2008, the Caledonian Society has placed special emphasis on education.

"We have chosen to make this year‘s award a joint one since David and Wendie are a true example of partnership in their contributions to the local community," said Bruce McEwan, Chieftain of the Caledonian Society of Hawaiʻi, in a letter informing the McClains of the honor.

The McClains received the award at the Society‘s annual Robert Burns Dinner on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at which Donald P. McDiarmid, Jr. was named "Scot of the Year." Former recipients of the "Scot of the Year" award include Representative Neil Abercrombie and British actor and director Terence Knapp. The event itself is named for Scotland‘s National Bard, poet and lyricist Robert Burns.

The Caledonian Society of Hawaiʻi was founded in 1965 and is registered as a 501(c)(3) educational and cultural organization with membership open to anyone interested in Scotland, Scottish heritage, history and importance to Hawaiʻi.